THE TRANSVAAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11659, 18 January 1902, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

THE AMERSPOORT FIGHT. \ A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT BY A WAR CORRESPONDENT. A GALLANT DEFENCE. United Press Association—Per Jilectric Telegraph—Copyright. lUci'ived 9.5 a.m., Januarv 17lh. LONDON, January 16. Tl:s "Daily News' " c;:ri<!spundo2t. who ajcomoaniid*Major Valentine's expedition '.rj which er.ced so scrioasly •'••r tL-i Liicish column, gives a vivid de«.Tipti'>a of the fighting. Major Valler.ri::i. w;th 230 men, was s=r:t to hustle the i»:;ei.- u'.riLwards from General Piumer's illsjor Pultecey's column acted as •' -u:;pjrt. wnile G'oksef Cclvia's New Zeai -. : e:s were held as lessive. Major T-jel's t.>'-K-:'s'ar.ders made a brilliant charge upo~ *ie i::-ri:«t eminence, and t:ie enemy feed. 'ii:e ii.~Lr-j'i was resua;ed shortly alter'.van..-. TLs Hiimushiie men. ic-iming P-iit of ■ M.i r cr Vaile'ntine's command, then rested f'r'piraer at the cr.rssr of the evacuated -■:'; \t-zs~v.'. Saddenlv swcitsis '-? Beers sprang tr. fr..r.: of both rk:.ks. and. taking advn:.: •; of the g?»'-d over. i:-r;urad m teru\:\i v-.-Hev.-. disabiir.;. iasn right ana le.t. J I---::---'..".nt" Wilson, who had charge of a <> the Hampshire? and the Mounted »>t;;=r--'ande:s. visii with each other in the stcbbr.rr.ess of the resistance they made, b;:t t'..i-r werf- outnumbered by three ti one, ;.'.u' ? i---d no cover. '>"jl2 British therefore retreated under a p:l"'v!s-cus fire. Captain Johnstone, formerly belonging to St:athcor.a's Horse, fell mortal!- wounrted in vainly trying to rally Vs ir.sa. Major Valentine fell issuing orders. E:s last words were: "We mast to the last."' Hundreds of Boers charged to within 80 yards of the British. Lieutenant Wilson's pom-prai. with the last three shells, mowed now- five of the enemy. Then, limbering up the gun, he galloped'back to shelter and reorganised Jhe scattered remnants of the force. Meanwhile the gallant Queensland-

and Hainpshires had been overwhelmed.

Major Puiteney at tlxis stage arriving witu guns, checked the advance against Lieutenant Wilson, whom some mounted infantry on a knotty kopje supported. The Boar detachment attacking Major iriuieney's left found themselves confronted by two companies of Victorians, who seized the kopje. The New Zealauders also appearing caused the enemy to retire. The " Daily Telegraph s " correspondent mentions that General Oppennan was kl il ea bv a shell during the engagement. ins death is expected tc- lead to the desertion and sui render of many Boers. Lieutenant-Colonel Violls, a \Vesiern Australian, greatlv distinguished himself durine the engagement, seizing a number of positions, and replying to the enemy from ail points. INTERCEPTED BOER LETTERS.

THE COMMONWEALTH RESOLUTIONS. HOW ENGLAND RECEIVED THEM. Received 9.37 a.m., January 17th. LONDON, January 16. Mr Kruger's latest advices are to the effect that Boer Afrikander recruits are rapidly dwindling. Other advices state that Kemp's and De la Rey's men are .clamouring to surrender, jf General' Smuts' recently seized papers show that the Swazis supplied the Boers with information, provisions and munitions of war. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr Arthur Lynch, the recently elected member for Galway, on a charge of treason. A colonial office Blue Book contains an intercepted letter from Scbalk-Burgher to ex-President Steyn, stating that the condition is daily becoming more serious, and that the Boer's have lately suffered and lost much. He concludes: —"If we are convinced that our resources are exhausted and our last strength broken, we must bow down and .surrender, no matter how bitter this course will be to the burghers." The letter is dated March 21st last. The Rev. Mr Slooten, lately a predikar.t in the Transvaal, has created a sensation in America.- He asserts that the Boers aimed at the expulsion of the British from South Africa, and that Mi Kruger was divinely commanded to declare war.

MELBOURNE, January 17. In the Federal House of Representatives Mr Barton, announced that he had received the following cable message from Mr Chamberlain:—"The people and Government of the Mother Country greatly appreciate the patriotic and sympathetic terms of the resolutions passed by the Commonwealth House of Representatives, and welcome this public repudiation by the Commonwealth of the calumnious charges against British soldiers, and the acknowledgment of the humane conduct of the war. The resolutions, coupled with the splendid way in which the Commonwealth shaied the sacrifices and efforts of the Motherland in the contest forced upon her in South Africa are heartily felt throughout her Majesty's dominions, and afford fresh evidence of the unity of the Empire and the spirit and. determinations of its sons." This is a reply to the message sent bv Mr Barton.

DEPARTURE 05 THE GUARDS.

Received 10.49 p.m.. January 17th. ""LONDON, January 17. The Guards' Brigade were given a great public farewell. Viscount Northland and Lord Falconer accompany the Guards. BOER RAID IN THE MAFEKING DISTRICT. Received 1.15 a.m., Januarv 18th. LONDON, January 17. Commandants Kemp and Belliers raided 1000 .cattle in the Mafeking district. Predikant Slooten's statements were contained in a pamphlet which was published in Ameiica. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 17. The Trades and Labour Council have passed a resolution asking the Auckland workers to refrain from purchasing German goods as a protest against the receut Anglophobia utterances. • A number of troopers returning from South Africa arrived by the Aotea frcm Capetown via Hobart. " The men are all in splendid health, and speak in the highest terms of their treatment on board the steamer. They are under the command of Sergeant-Major .Lockett (Seventh New Zealand Contingent), who was wounded in aa engagement at Colesberg, where he had his right arm shot off, the gun being only about seven yards distant. The Mayor and town clerk welcomed back the troopers. Sergeant-Major Lockett mentioned that several of the men wished to return to South Africa with the Eighth Contingent. As some of the men had reached the rank of sergeant and sergeant-major in the 7th and other Contingents, they thought that it would only be fair for the Government to give them some consideration if possible in the shape of commissions in the Eighth Contingent. The Mayor promised to lay the matter before the* proper authorities.

WELLINGTON, January 17. The Trades Council held another lively meeting last night to reconsider the recent anti-war resolution. The pro-Boer section of the meeting talked at considerable lengtn and had raised several obstructive motions, and one of its leaders, who reflected on the ruling of the chairman, was excluded from the meeting bv 16 to 10. Then the motion rescinding the pro-Boer, resolution and expunging it from the records was carried by 19 to 3.

THE CONTINENTAL SLANDERS.

WELLINGTON, January 17.

There was an enormous crowd at the public meeting convened by the Mayor todav, to protest against the recent Continental slanders against the British nation, ibe gathering was held in the Theatre Royal, which proved all too small to accomrnoaate the thousands who sought admission. Prominent on the stage were members of the Ministry and Parliament, City Councillors, and leading citizens. The following motion was proposed by Mr John Duthie, seconded by MrR. C. Bruce, and carried:—'"That the citizens of the city of Wellington, in public meeting assembled, desire to express (1) their emphatic approval of the attitude of the British Government in the conduct of the South African war, and to lecord their appreciation of the complete refutation by the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain of the foreign slanders upon the honour of the British forces serving in South Africa ; (2) that the Premier be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolution to the Secretary oi I State ior the Colonies." Stirring speeches were made by the mover -nd seconder, their utterances being supplement sd by the Chief Justice, the Premier, <ir J G Ward, and others, whose remr.rks were received with loud applause. The Premier, in his address, emphasised the necessity of bringing the war in South Africa to a conclusion, and declared that if more men were wanted at the front after the Eighth Contingent, more would be forthcoming from New Zealand. Whatever number of men were required to help to bring the campaign to a inclusion they should go. In one way, regrettable though thev were, the slanders of the German press were a blessing in disguise, for they had bought home to the world the homogeneous nature of the British Empire and the determination of its people to uphold the honour of their country and its. nag. Subseciuentlv an overflow meeting was addressed from the steps of the General Post Office bv the Premier, Sir J. GWard. Mr Beavchamp, the Rev. Mr Bond, a=.d M'<=« Seddoj. when amidst loud cneer- ■ r.~ a resolution was carried, expressing the horror of the women of New Zealand at the calumnies circulated in Germany reon the honour of the sons and hus-i>-nds°of the women of the colonies and. the Motherland, and expressing complete c-.rfider.ee in Mr Chamberlain and sympathy wUh die efforts which were made to defend the fair name of the British army from its foul calumniators.

NELSON, January 17.

At the Citv Council to-night, the Mayor referred with" pain to the gross slanders and libels upon the nation that had emanated from the people and Press of a European country, and especially to the disgusting attacks on the Queen, which were enough to make the blood of every Briton boil. He thought it their duty to uphold the honour of the nation, and moved that this Council desires to place on record its indignation at the gross and baseless libels on the Home and colonial troops recently published in foreign newspapers, and its admiration of the firm and dignified attitude of the Imperial Government with reference to the South African, war.

Xiie resolution was carried unanimously, and with applause.

DUNEDIN, January 17. The Garrison Hall was crowded to the doors to-night by citizens responding to the request of the Mayor to attend and pass resolutions protesting against foreign slanders of the British and colonial soldiers. The meeting was one of the most demonstratively enthusiastic gatherings held in Dunedin, and quite equal to that at which the Patriotic Fund was launched. The Mayor opened the meeting with a brief patriotic address. The Rev. P. W.. Fairclough, in a stirling speech, during which he was frequently cheered, moved —' That this meeting of citizens of Dunedin, having heard with indignation and amazement that a section of the German Press has grossly slandered the British forces in South Africa, the colonial Contingents, the spirit and honour of the nation, the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, and even Queen Alexandra herself, indignantly resents this crusade of vilification, and affirms with all possible emphasis its belief in the justice of the British cause and chivalry of the Imperial and colonial troops." The motion was seconded by Dr W. Brown.

The second resolution was moved by Mr E. B. Cargill to the effect that the meeting desire to convey to the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain their admiration of the spirited and patriotic manner in which he has vindicated the honour of Great Britain, and further desire to express their entire confidence in the conduct of the South African war by the British Government, and in the able" administration of Lord Milner. This was seconded by Mr James Allen, M.H.R, On the motion of Mr D. E. Theomin (president of the Chamber of Commerce), seconded by Mr R. Ferguson (president of the Trades and Labour Council), it was decided to ask the Governor to forward the second resolution by cable. The meeting was a representative one. Between the speeches patriotic songs were sung, the audience joininsr in the chorus. The meeting concluded "by singing " God Save the King." THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

Our Fairlie correspondent telephoned us yesterday morning that Colonel Bailey telegraphed from Ashburton to the Recruiting Board there inquiring if more men were available for the Eighth Contingent. A reply was sect that tnree men had already passed the tests. Colonel Bailey wired again to the Board to send one man, and keep the rest handy. David Harvey, a smart young man, a rabbiter, was communicated with, and to a considerable extent he justified the selection by what he did on receipt of the communication. He rode in from where he happened to be, 16 miles, to report: then to his home, 10 miles ; back to the station homestead, 13 miles, and then 16 miles to Fairlie. He was sent off by the mcrning train with a hearty cheer from those present, on the platform. One cf the mess orderlies in the Trentham camp was fur some years the holder of a. run of ever 1000 acres in the Wanganui district. Last weak he finished up the shearing of 2000 sheep o:; his run.. Having lost money through the drop in the price of 'wool, he" put himself in the hands of a money-lending company, and last week the mortgage was foreclosed. He then enlisted. Another story of the same camp concerns the successful pleadings of a mother whose only son had enlisted contrary- to her wishes. She came d ;wn from Auckland expressly to make one more effort to get her sen to return home, and she pleaded so earnestly that he was perplexed between his filial duty and his patriotic promise. He settled the difficulty by putting his case before his comrades. " "What say, chaps what I do?" "Go home with your mother!" was the unanimous response. And. the mother went back rejoicing, taking her son with her.

The " Prst" reports that quite a number of men on Tuesday refused to be sworn in and sign on as members of the Contingent. Various reasons were assigned, the most common, put forward by returned troopers, being that they had not been given stripes as non-coms. Their officers replied—"Well, yon should have shown' smartness and put in work which would { have made you worth the stripes." " But we understood that all returned men would get stripes," said the men with a grievance. "So they have—when they have proved themselves worthy," was the replv. When the men found" that the officers were film, some reconsidered their decisions. Others, again, on being informed that they need not stay in camp if they did not "want to do so, as " there were plenty of men waiting to take vacancies," also" hurriedly withdrew their objections. The most stubborn were told they could " take it or leave it," and were given, a day to think the matter over. One trooper was so disappointed because he did not get a sergeant's stripes that he went in- ' to town and " pulled a wire " so effectively that he returned to camp with an order to " give this man his stripes." " Well, Bill, how did you get on?" asked his tent-mates when he "returned. "Oh, I got on all right io town," was the reply, "but what sort of a time did I have from the O.C. '." The men were curious to know what happened at the interview with the Officer Commanding the Camp. "Bill" obliged with the storv. " Well, when I presented the order, the captain looked me up and down in that steely-glitter style. 'So my man,' he said. ' so you've been to see some of your friends of "influence in town.' I didn't say a word—the paper spoke for me. 'Now, look here.' said the captain, 'you know very well that if you had been any "ood you "would have got" vour stripes. But vou loafed around whilst other chaps grafted for their stripes, and they wen them on their merits. Don't you imagine that you're going to get on without merit to back vou. You can go!' And I went,' concluded Bill, "and I'm blest if I know whether I'm gointr to wear them stripes after all mv enterprise !" " Serve you right! was the chorus when the tale was told.. .__